How does Kyrie Irving fit on the Dallas Mavericks and what could be next?

The Dallas Mavericks sent shockwaves through the NBA when they pulled off a blockbuster trade for eight-time All-Star Kyrie Irving. The 30-year-old guard is one of the most talented players in the world, and the Mavs were not getting a better player for the price that they paid. Yes, it cost Dallas an unprotected first-round pick, two starters, and two second-round picks, but Dallas believes Kyrie can help them reach the next level this season. Luka is too good not to go all-in, so the Mavericks did on Sunday afternoon.

After months of talk about how Dallas did not have enough to acquire a second star, the Mavs won a bidding war for Kyrie, according to Chris Haynes. The Lakers offered two first-round picks, and the Suns put a deal on the table featuring Chris Paul, but the Nets selected the offer from Dallas. The Mavericks paid a significant price, and it was a massive gamble by the front office, but they delivered a second star. Now, the Mavs just have to figure out how to make things work.

What does Kyrie bring to Dallas, and how does he fit on the Mavericks? This is still Luka’s team, and he will be the primary playmaker and offensive creator. Irving will play off the ball, run the second unit, and hopefully join forces with Doncic to form one of the best duos in the NBA. Here is a closer look at his fit and what could be ahead for the Mavs.

Why Kyrie Irving lifts Dallas Mavericks to the best offense in the NBA

The Mavs rank ninth in offensive rating so far this season, but they have the league’s best offense when Doncic is on the floor. It is when he heads to the bench that the team has struggled. Dallas is 0-7 when Luka has sat out this season as they lacked a true creator that could get the offense rolling.

That worry no longer exists. Irving is a fellow All-Star starter that is averaging 27.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 48.6 percent shooting from the field, 37.4 percent on his 3-point tries, and 88.3 percent from the foul line. He can play on or off the ball. Kyrie is shooting 38.0 percent on catch-and-shoot threes, and the Mavs offense will continue rolling when he is running the show.

Giving up Spencer Dinwiddie in the trade leaves Dallas with just two ball-handlers, but Irving is a massive upgrade. He solves the team’s need for a primary creator when Doncic sits and improves the team’s free throws, which has cost them more than one game this season. Dallas is 27th in the league from the charity stripe after making just 74.4 percent thus far. Irving is an elite free throw shooter that will be able to ice close games.

It will take some time, but the Dallas Mavericks could have the best offense in the NBA with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving running the show. They wanted another elite scorer, and Kyrie is no stranger to playing off the ball and being the second option. He did it behind Kevin Durant in Brooklyn and LeBron James in Cleveland. Now, he heads to Dallas to be Luka’s running mate. The offense should be elite, but there are still plenty of questions.